Fornaroli out of the wilderness and ready for Glory

After spending 11 months in the wilderness, Perth Glory recruit Bruno Fornaroli is eager to get back on the field this weekend.

Perth Glory recruit Bruno Fornaroli at the A-League season launch

After spending 11 months in the A-League wilderness, Perth Glory recruit Bruno Fornaroli is understandably eager to get back on the field this weekend.

The Uruguayan hasn’t been sighted in the A-League since he was frozen out by Melbourne City in November last year.

Denied a move to another A-League club in the middle of the season, Fornaroli has been a frustrated spectator ever since despite signing with the Glory in March.

“One of my worst years in my career in terms of the way I leave Melbourne City,” he said.

“I’m very grateful to the club and everyone knows this so it’s tough to leave like this also when I think I do very well for them and I fight a lot for that club. In that way it’s not good for anyone.

“Now it’s finished, now I’m looking forward. That’s why now I can’t wait to start … I think we have a great team to fight for the title this year.”

Fornaroli’s move west is a massive coup for Tony Popovic’s team. The 32-year-old won the 2015-16 golden boot and has 46 goals in 70 A-League appearances.

As Glory aim to go one better following their grand final defeat last season, a fired-up Fornaroli says he couldn’t be happier with his new club.

“I spoke with some players like Diego (Castro) before going; Popovic gave me big confidence to go with Glory and follow them,” Fornaroli said.

“Now I’m ready to play and give back to them the confidence they’ve given to me.”

Castro believes the injection of fresh legs will help them prove the doubters wrong this season.

Glory were the dominant team last campaign, with the star-studded squad winning the Premiers Plate with two rounds to spare.

Yet they were denied the double when they lost to Sydney FC on penalties in the grand final and the exit of proven performers Jason Davidson, Matthew Spiranovic, Shane Lowry and Andy Keogh has left some wondering whether they now have the talent to go one step further.

Glory are rated third favourites for the title in most betting markets — behind Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.

Recruits James Meredith, Fornaroli and Osama Malik are proven performers but the jury is out on fellow newcomers Dane Ingham, Jacob Tratt, Kim Soo-Beom and Nick D’Agostino.

Castro is optimistic.

“Maybe people doubt about what is this year or what Perth Glory looks like. I’m confident,” he said.

“I’m looking to improve what we did last year.

“The players that have left have left a legacy. We will never forget that but I like it when you have a team with big potential.

“We need those fresh legs, we need that motivation. They come to training with all the motivation, which is fantastic.”

Glory begin their season at home on Sunday against a new-look Brisbane Roar coached by former Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, who also spent a season playing at Glory in 2010-11.

Perth owner Tony Sage has a trick up his sleeve to distract Fowler ahead of the clash.

“We’re still friends. I’ll take him out for a beer on Friday night, hopefully get him drunk, and he probably won’t turn up on Sunday,” Sage joked.

AAP